The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is offering a veterinary government relations externship opportunity for three (3), 4th-year veterinary students for the fall of 2024 (September 9-20).
The externship is two weeks in length and will take place in Washington, D.C. The goal of the program is to expose students to the pivotal role of veterinarians in public policy, advocacy, legislation, and regulation at the national level. As an extern, you will interact with multiple organizations that advocate on behalf of animal agriculture and veterinary medicine. The student will learn the general understanding of how policy shapes animal agriculture and veterinary medicine. The student will also learn current issues that the swine industry is facing today and how veterinarians can make an impact on national policy.
The first week will be spent with NPPC during the Fall Legislative Action Conference (LAC). During this week, students will have opportunities to listen to a variety of speakers, interact with producers and veterinarians, and conduct visits to their Congressional delegation on the Hill.
Week two of the externship will be spent with Merck Animal Health. This week will be hybrid in-person meetings and virtual meetings to introduce the student to Merck Animal Health’s business and policy priorities.
Through a sponsorship from Merck Animal Health, a stipend of up to $3,000 is available to cover travel and lodging expenses. Interested students should complete the application HERE by Friday, August 9, 2024. For questions, please contact Dr. Ashley Johnson, NPPC Director of Food Policy, at johnsona@nppc.org.